14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

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14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge,
    while the fool feeds on trash.

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31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(A)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(B)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(C)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(D)
    and humility comes before honor.(E)

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31 If you listen to constructive criticism,
    you will be at home among the wise.

32 If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;
    but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

33 Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom;
    humility precedes honor.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(A) rather than silver!(B)

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    and good judgment than silver!

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21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.[a](A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive

21 The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

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24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(A) wander to the ends of the earth.

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24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

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15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(A)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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15 Intelligent people are always ready to learn.
    Their ears are open for knowledge.

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20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(A)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(B)

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20 Get all the advice and instruction you can,
    so you will be wise the rest of your life.

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The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(A)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

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Though good advice lies deep within the heart,
    a person with understanding will draw it out.

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18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(A)

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18 Plans succeed through good counsel;
    don’t go to war without wise advice.

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11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(A)

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11 If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded become wise;
    if you instruct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

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Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17 Pay attention(A) and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;(B)
    apply your heart to what I teach,(C)
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
    and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
    sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,(D)
    so that you bring back truthful reports
    to those you serve?

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Sayings of the Wise

17 Listen to the words of the wise;
    apply your heart to my instruction.
18 For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
    and always ready on your lips.
19 I am teaching you today—yes, you—
    so you will trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings[a] for you,
    filled with advice and knowledge.
21 In this way, you may know the truth
    and take an accurate report to those who sent you.

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Footnotes

  1. 22:20 Or excellent sayings; the meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain.

Saying 16

19 Listen, my son,(A) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:

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19 My child, listen and be wise:
    Keep your heart on the right course.

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